Elijah Wood responds to Frodo speculation in 'The Hunt for Gollum' after Ian McKellen tease

Elijah Wood addresses speculation about Frodo’s return in 'The Hunt for Gollum' following comments by Ian McKellen

Elijah Wood has addressed speculation about a possible return as Frodo Baggins in the upcoming Lord of the Rings film The Hunt for Gollum, following comments previously made by Ian McKellen. Speaking to ScreenRant at Fan Expo New Orleans, Wood declined to confirm whether he will reprise the role.

“I can neither confirm nor deny. Listen, a wizard is to be trusted,” Wood said, referencing McKellen’s earlier remarks. “Aside from any of that, I’m not really allowed to confirm.”

While remaining non-committal about his involvement, Wood said he is enthusiastic about the project itself. He described the film as a creative reunion of key figures from the original trilogy, noting that several members of the original creative team are returning.

Wood said Philippa Boyens is involved as a co-writer and producer and added that the project feels like “that core original group getting back together to tell this story”.

Wood also spoke about Andy Serkis, who is set to direct and star in the film. “I’m excited for Andy [Serkis] to direct it. It feels so unbelievably appropriate that he directs a film about his character that he has really made his own,” he said.

Wood added that he is interested to see how the wider Middle-earth universe may develop, noting that there is an intention to make additional films.

Speculation about returning cast members intensified last August when McKellen addressed fans at the For the Love of Fantasy event in London. “I hear there's going to be another movie based in Middle-earth,” he said, later adding, “There's a character in the movie called Frodo, and there's a character in the movie called Gandalf.” McKellen then joked, “Apart from that, my lips are sealed!”

McKellen did not explicitly confirm any casting, and Wood has continued to avoid confirming whether Frodo will appear in the film.

The Hunt for Gollum was announced in summer 2024, with Peter Jackson confirmed as producer and Serkis attached to direct and reprise his role as Gollum. The film was originally slated for a 2026 release but has since been delayed to December 17, 2027.